These credentials offer the best way to prove your expertise in developing and maintaining complex databases as well as information solutions. These skills enhance your ability to find well-paid job opportunities and promotions. That’s why it is important to pursue one of these leading certifications to ensure you are on track in your career goals. So, let’s finally dive into it!

Why Should Your Earn a SQL Certification?

The SQL credentials are key for those individuals who want to work in job domains that include database analysis, administration, and development. Here are the benefits you enjoy when you are a certified database professional:

– It validates your skills and knowledge.
– With a SQL certificate, the employers will view you as a dedicated specialist who is ready to do anything to gain skills that enhance their performance at work.
– It will make you more employable compared to those candidates who don’t have any SQL certification.
– You get an opportunity to earn well in your job position as per a salary report on PayScale where the average annual paycheck for these professionals is $70k.

Let’s find out which top SQL certifications you can get today and which are well suited to your database career.

1. MTA: Database Fundamentals
This entry-level program includes one certificate in the database field. The prerequisite exam (98-364) is for those students who want to make an entry into this sector. These candidates require proving their understanding and skills in databases that include relational ones. Microsoft SQL Server is one of such databases. The skills and experience evaluated in this MTA credential include core concepts in a database, creation of database objects, data manipulation, data storage, and database administration.

2. MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development
This is an associate-level credential that is designed for the professionals who want to verify their skills. It validates their ability to use Transact-SQL in querying data. This certificate also confirms the applicants’ database development skills. You can pursue it as long as you have the basic IT expertise. Apart from these foundational skills, you must pass two related exams before you can eventually earn your certificate.

3. MCSA: SQL Database Administration
This is also an associate-level certification that is meant for those individuals who are involved in tasks, such as installing, maintaining, configuring, as well as provisioning. They are the certified database administrators and infrastructure specialists who have already passed two required exams. This means they have proven their capabilities in administering the SQL database architecture as well as SQL database provisioning. Before taking the prerequisite tests, the students must be in possession of basic IT skills.

4. MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014
This top SQL certification validates that the candidates can effectively play their role as database analysts or developers. This implies they have the skills necessary to query and administer Microsoft SQL Server. They can also successfully use SQL Server 2012/2014 to implement a data warehouse. The initial requirements for this certificate include the basic IT skills. The students should also pass three exams. Once you earn your credential, you can also pursue the advance one such as MCSE: Data Management and Analytics. This will boost your database-related career even further.

5. MCSA: SQL 2016 BI Development
If you feel that business development is for you, then this associate-level certificate is the right one to obtain. By going for it, you demonstrate your readiness to gain skills, such as extracting, transforming, and loading data. It also enables you to develop the analytical skill set needed to provide BI solutions. The foundational expertise will be the best way to start off. Once you have these skills, you can prepare and pass two required exams and become a BI developer.

6. MCSE: Data Management and Analytics
This expert-level SQL credential is for those applicants who have SQL administration advanced skills. They have proved their capability to perform tasks, such as SQL administration, building data solutions for an enterprise, and leverage business intelligence data both in Cloud and on-premises environments. Before taking the prerequisite exam, the professionals who want to earn this certification must possess any of the associate-level certificates connected to SQL technology.

7. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate
Most Oracle database management systems (DBMS) certifications require the specialists to attend training courses as part of the prerequisites. The credentials are also available at different levels that include Associate, Professional, Master, and Expert. Oracle 12c is currently available at the first three levels. Thus, Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) is designed to validate one’s fundamental database concepts as well as skills that DBAs require daily as they perform their management and maintenance tasks. It requires the examinees to pass two tests, including the SQL one.

Conclusion

Any of these top 7 SQL certifications will give you the kind of boost you need in your career. Obtaining at least one of them demonstrates your readiness to provide database-related solutions, such as administration, analysis, and development. These are among the leading roles in the IT world at present. So, do not hesitate and take charge of your career today by giving all that it deserves!

What is MCSE certification pathway?

First of all, we should mention that the first level of the Microsoft certification program is Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA). It helps the individuals develop basic knowledge. The next level is Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), which include several popular IT certificates that this vendor offers. Some of them include Azure, Office 365, SQL Server, and Windows Server. Finally, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) represents the very top of the Microsoft certification program. It provides the candidates with a broad knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365, Cloud technology, SQL, virtualization, data center, and more.

Classically, the MCSE certifications are largely defined as the go-to credentials for the IT experts who specialize in the Microsoft Server technologies. Within the MCSE title, there is a variety of exams that measure the learners’ knowledge with several Microsoft Servers, including System Center (SCCM), Windows, SharePoint, SQL Server, Exchange Server, and SQL. The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert certificate holders have the ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills in designing, administering and implementing business solutions.

According to Microsoft, the MCSD and MCSE certifications (MCSE: Mobility, MCSE: Data Management and Analytics, MCSD: App Builder, and MCSE: Productivity) are aligned to the Center of Excellence. They are used extensively by the Microsoft Partner Network in identifying technical competencies, which are widely recognized not only by the Microsoft partners but also by its customers. These credentials don’t have a renewal/recertification requirement. What important in these Microsoft certificates is the date of their attainment. It shows how an IT professional is keeping up with technological changes.

Every year, the IT professionals have the opportunity to renew their MCSE certificate(s) by attempting the relevant certification exams from the list of elective tests. By passing an exam each year to recertify your MCSE, you will be demonstrating investment and commitment in deepening and broadening your skills in a particular Center of Excellence. Every time you obtain a credential, Microsoft adds a new certification entry to your transcript. This process has replaced the existing need to take a specific recertification test after every two years to recertify and prevent the already achieved certificate from going inactive.

Microsoft MCSE certifications

For the IT specialists to be eligible for the MCSE certification, they must first earn any associate-level certificate. In other words, MCSA is the prerequisite for MCSE. After obtaining the associate-level credential, the candidates are required to take one more exam in order to achieve the Microsoft MCSE certification. There can be up to 8 tests in one certificate, but you need to choose only one.

All in all, there are four Microsoft MCSE certifications. Below are all the certificates and the relevant exams you can take:

1. MCSE: Business Applications

The key technology for this certificate is Microsoft Dynamics 365. You need to be able to work with it and know how to customize, configure, and use this technology for different spheres. You will need to choose one of the eight exams to obtain this credential: MB6-895, MB2-716, MB6-897, MB2-719, MB2-718, MB6-898, MB6-896. If you want to pursue this MCSE certificate, you need to manage to pass the test until December 31, 2019. On this date, the certification will be retired.

2. MCSE: Data Management and Analytics

This credential validates a broad set of skills in SQL administration. You will be able to develop SQL Data Models, Database, and Server Databases. There are also 8 tests, and you need to successfully pass only one of them. There are the following exams: 70-467, 70-762, 70-465, 70-464, 70-777, 70-466, 70-768, and 70-767.

3. MCSE: Productivity Solutions Expert

There are 3 exams that you need to pass to attain this MCSE certificate. You need to take all three: 70-333, 70-345, 70-339. They cover the management of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2016, the deployment of Enterprise Voice with Skype for Business 2015, and the design and usage of Microsoft Exchange Server 2016. This credential can be a part of prerequisites for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert certification.

4. MCSE: Core Infrastructure

Windows Server Virtualization is the key technology in this certification. You can choose between 5 tests: 70-414, 70-413, 70-744, 70-537, and 70-745. The exams deal with the topics about Hybrid Cloud, Microsoft Azure Stack, Data Center, server infrastructure, and more. Please note that you need to obtain MCSA: Windows Server 2016 or MCSA: Windows Server 2012 to fulfil the requirements.

Microsoft MCSE renewal and recertification

After you have obtained any MCSE certificate, it will remain valid and will be reflected in your Microsoft certification transcript until the company retires the technology. And even after its retirement, your MCSE credential will not be removed but it will be moved to the Legacy section of your Microsoft certification transcript.

Conclusion

There are different paths that you can go while following the Microsoft MCSE certification type. Choosing one is half the trouble. The next step is to find all the prep materials you need, watch training videos, read guides, take mock tests, and prepare yourself with full commitment. The more you learn, the easier it will be during the exam. So, take the certificate you want and let the knowledge you obtained lead you to new horizons.

While it’s not yet clear when the new Skype for Business exams will be available, the Lync exams will be retired on July 31, 2015. So, if you wanted to take one of the following exams, you should hurry up:

• 74-322: Microsoft Lync Server 2010—Advanced Design and Deployment
• 74-335: Lync Network Readiness Assessment
• 70-336: Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013
• 70-337: Enterprise Voice Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013
• 74-338: Lync 2013 Depth Support Engineer

Although Microsoft does not announce a confirmed date on which the new Skype exams will be available, but they’re expected to be introduced before the Lync exams are pulled out.

Just like the Lync exams, the new Skype for Business exams will count toward MCSE: Communication. So, as new Skype exams can be introduced any week now, it’s time to start looking into possible scenarios and analyze all the information available.

Skype for Business vs. Lync

According to Microsoft, Skype for Business builds on Lync’s features and functionality. The Lync exams provide you with a solid foundation for your Skype for Business implementation. Here’s some great free coverage of what’s new in Skype for Business.

What Else Is There To Know?

If you have already earned your MCSE: Communication through Lync exams, you do not need to upgrade. Your certification will remain current until it’s time to recertify.
Holders of the MCSE: Communication credential must recertify every three years. Recertification is a great way to ensure that you stay current in the latest technology, such as Skype for Business. Microsoft is expected to introduce a few recertification options for MCSE: Communication this summer.

So stay tuned as Microsoft rolls out further changes turning Lync into Skype for Business. Here at ExamCollection, we can’t wait for the new certification exams to be released!

You can take one or both of the exams, but remember – during the beta stage you can take each exam only once. You can take the exams at a Pearson VUE test center or via online proctoring (participating countries only).

What do you need to do?

Exam 695 Deploying Windows Devices and Enterprise Apps. To register, go to: https://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/exam-70-695.aspx

Use promo code VITOMVP when prompted for payment at the payment screen

Exam 696 Managing Enterprise Devices and Apps: To register for exam 696 go to:  https://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/exam-70-696.aspx.

Use promo code VITIMVP when prompted for payment at the payment screen

Registrations via promo code are available on a first-come first-served basis.

Do remember that you will not know immediately if you passed the exam – this is standard for all Microsoft beta exams. Once the beta period is over, the exams will be scored and your results will be available.

The offer is not valid for India, China, Pakistan, or Turkey.

If you take the exam, remember to share your feedback and thoughts with our IT Certification community. Happy Holidays!

This MCSE can be earned by having a Windows 8 MCSA (or a Windows Server 2012 MCSA) and passing the new exams: 695 and 696 (now available as beta exams). Remember that for Microsoft beta exams, you will not know your results until after the exams are scored.

Now let’s take a closer look at the new exams for the MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps. These are Exam 695: Deploying Windows Devices and Enterprise Apps, and Exam 696: Managing Enterprise Devices and Apps.

Exam 695: Deploying Windows Devices and Enterprise Apps

This exam is intended for IT professionals who deploy, manage, and maintain PCs, devices, and applications across midsized to large enterprise organizations. Technology: Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2. Typically, this audience comes from a desktop support background. A significant portion of this audience uses or intends to use System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager to manage and deploy Windows devices and applications.

Topics:

• Implement the Operating System Deployment (OSD) infrastructure (21%)
• Implement a Lite Touch deployment (18%)
• Implement a Zero Touch deployment (20%)
• Create and maintain desktop images (21%)
• Prepare and deploy the application environment (20%)

Exam 696: Managing Enterprise Devices and Apps

This exam is intended for IT professionals who manage and maintain PCs, devices, and applications across midsized to large enterprise organizations. A significant portion of this audience uses or intends to use System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager to manage and deploy PCs, devices, and applications. The Enterprise Desktop Administrator also supports either domain joined or non-domain joined Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scenarios, mobile device management, and secure data access on common platforms, such as Windows 8.x, Windows Phone 8.x, iOS, and Android.

Topics:

• Deploy and manage virtual applications (14%)
• Deploy and manage desktop and mobile applications (15%)
• Plan and implement software updates (16%)
• Manage compliance and Endpoint Protection settings (15%)
• Manage Configuration Manager clients (15%)
• Manage inventory using Configuration Manager (12%)
• Provision and manage mobile devices (12%)

What do you think about the new MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps credential? Will you be pursuing it?

Yet, as the software landscape is quickly changing and more and more professionals work with Office 365 and other cloud-based solutions, the MCSA Office 365 seems like a great option for the professionals interested in these MCSEs.

So, now, you can satisfy the prerequisites for pursuing these three MCSE certifications (Communication, Messaging or SharePoint) by having either an MCSA: Windows Server 2012 or MCSA: Office 365. So now professionals can choose the path that best meets your career path or organization’s needs. Taking the MCSA: Office 365 path to your MCSE is a great choice if your organization is considering, or has deployed, cloud-based solutions. For those who focus on deploying on-premise, MCSA: Windows Server 2012 is still the path for you.

Which MCSE should you choose?

MCSE: Communications (Lync) credential  proves that you have the core skills to manage a Lync Server 2013 infrastructure. This advanced Lync Server certification validates your unified communications (UC) expertise in creating a consistent communications experience for your organization.

Achieving MCSE: Communication certification validates your ability to plan, design, deploy, and manage Lync Server 2013 in an environment that includes legacy services and Lync Online. It confirms that you can translate business requirements into technical architecture and design for a UC solution, and it verifies your skills around IM, presence conferencing, and Persistent Chat.

MCSE: Communications (Lync) Required exams: 346, 347, 336, 337.

MCSE: Messaging (Exchange) credential validates your skills and capabilities of managing an Exchange 2013 infrastructure. This advanced Microsoft Exchange certification validates your ability to install, configure, and support Exchange messaging deployments in a real-world business context.

Achieving MCSE: Messaging certification confirms your knowledge of configuring transport, the mailbox role, and Client Access, and it confirms your understanding of unified messaging, site resiliency, security, archival, and enterprise deployments for an Exchange environment.

MCSE: Messaging (Exchange) required exams: 346, 347, 341, 342.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): SharePoint certification proves that you have the core skills to manage a SharePoint infrastructure for organizing, collaborating, and sharing information. This advanced Microsoft SharePoint certification validates your ability to design a SharePoint topology, install and configure SharePoint farms, secure SharePoint deployments, and create web applications and site collections. Achieving MCSE: SharePoint certification confirms that you know how to plan, upgrade, and migrate SharePoint installations.

MCSE: SharePoint required exams: 346, 347, 331, 332.

Interested? Find out more on the Microsoft Learning Website.

There haven’t been too many details released at the moment, but the video posted on the Microsoft Learning Blog gives some insights. The key one is: MCSE and MCSD recertification exams are coming soon, and whenever this happens, the recertification timelines will be adjusted to give candidates at least 12 months to prepare and pass the exams. So it looks like it’ll be another year before your credential expires.

The video, by the way, is the first part of a series of new videos dubbed “ACE NewsByte” (ACE stands for Ask a Certification Expert). Starring Briana Roberts and Liberty Munson (if you follow Microsoft certification news, you probably know who these ladies are!), the video series is supposed to be a more fun and dynamic way to supply Microsoft users with certification news.

So, what else is there to know about the upcoming MCSE and MCSD recertification? MCSD recertification exam will be the first one to come out, and will be released in August-September, which is basically any week now. MCSE is promised to follow shortly.

According to Microsoft certification experts, MCSE and MCSD recertification exam preparation should be about the same as for the regular Microsoft exams of this level. That is, follow the blueprint, stay on top of the latest trends. Since candidates are highly likely to be working in the industry, the exams shouldn’t be too hard for them. Microsoft emphasizes that besides the theory and hands-on skills, the exams will test the candidates’ awareness of the recent product and process changes, and what’s been happening in the field overall. So be sure to do your reading and to keep up with the news.

So, as we are all waiting for the MCSE and MCSD recertification exam updates, be sure to watch the new ACE NewsByte video and stay tuned for updates from ExamCollection ;):

So what’s that “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” offer?

To be eligible, you need to be currently holding one of the following certifications:

• MCSA: Windows Server 2008
• MCITP: Virtualization Administrator
• MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator
• MCITP: Lync Server Administrator
• MCITP: SharePoint Administrator
• MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator

When you choose to upgrade and follow one of these paths…

• MCSE: Server Infrastructure — 417, 413, 414
• MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure — 417, 415, 416
• MCSE: Private Cloud — 417, 246, 247

…you get three exams for the price of two. You are also granted one free retake on each exam in the pack if you fail.

To take advantage of this offer, you need to purchase the upgrade (go to Prometric website) by May 31, 2014, and finish your exams (including free retakes) within 2014.

The news could cause some confusion with another Microsoft’s certification of the same acronym: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. In fact, it had been one of Microsoft’s most popular certifications for quite a while, and has been recently retired.

So, is the new one its exact replacement? Not really, as the old and new MCSEs aren’t to be confused. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly has changed.

The new Microsoft Certified Solution Expert (MCSE) certification focuses on the ability to design and build technology solutions, which may include integrating multiple technology products and span multiple versions of a single technology, whether on-premises or in the cloud. The 8 certifications available in its framework have all been designed with this goal in mind. The previous Microsoft Certified System Engineer certifications focused on a much more specific job role.

Created as the flagship of the new certification framework, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert offers a set of interdisciplinary certifications, united by the company’s focus on cloud computing, business intelligence and advanced database administration.

There are 8 certifications available now, all of them consist of 5 steps, and therefore, require 5 exams. For all programs, recertification is required every 3 years (and we get the feeling that these MCSEs will be around for quite a while, so you may want to keep this information in mind).

With many candidates now asking ‘Which MCSE should I get??’ you certainly know that you are the only one who can answer this question for yourself, depending on the interests, skills and career goals you have. Yet, let’s take a look at the new MCSEs to get a better picture. Here they are.

MCSE: Server Infrastructure

Your next career step: computer support specialist and information security analyst.

This certification validates that you have the skills needed to run a highly efficient and modern data center, with expertise in identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage, and networking.

MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure

Your next career step: desktop and device support, and data and applications manager.

This MCSE will prove your skills in deploying and managing desktops and devices that provide access from anywhere, while maintaining security and compliance. It also validates your skills in desktop virtualization, remote desktop services, and application virtualization.

MCSE: Private Cloud

Your next career step: server administrator, systems programmer, network manager.

This certification validates your expertise in managing and implementing Microsoft private cloud computing technologies. With Windows Server and System Center, you will build your Microsoft private cloud solution to optimize IT service delivery and gain the automation and flexibility you need for your IT infrastructure, now and in the future.

MCSE: Data Platform

Your next career step: database analyst, database designer.

MCSE Data Platform certification puts you in a position to demonstrate your broad skill sets in building and administrating enterprise-scale data solutions both on-premises and in cloud environments.

MCSE: Business Intelligence

Your next career step: BI & reporting engineer.

With this one, you will prove your skills and the knowledge of techniques needed to design, build, and deploy solutions that deliver more data to more people across the organization.

MCSE: Messaging

Your next career step: network and computer systems administration.

Your MCSE: Messaging will demonstrate that you can move your company to the cloud, increase user productivity and flexibility, reduce data loss, and improve data security for your organization.

MCSE: Communication

Your next career step: network and computer systems administration.

This MCSE validates expertise in creating a consistent communications experience for your organization and connecting your colleagues to people around the world.

MCSE: SharePoint

Your next career step: systems or network analyst.

MCSE SharePoint ensures you get recognition for your expertise in helping a company organize, sync, collaborate, and share information across the organization.

Even if you are undecided as to which MCSE is right for you, you can still start working on your exams. As you have probably heard, they are tough and do take time for preparation. Yet, the good news is that 6 out of 8 MCSEs share the same 3 exams. So, unless you are considering MCSE: Data Platform or Business Intelligence, you can start studying for exams 70-410, 70-411 and 70-412. These 3 focus on the server infrastructure and Windows Server 2012, the knowledge of which is a must for a number of jobs.

Explore the MCSE section of the Microsoft website to make up your mind. Last but not least, Microsoft has a sweet offer for those of us who aren’t that lucky with the Certification exam the first time around. Until the end of May 2014, you get a free second chance to succeed on your exams. Looks like there’s no better time than now to become a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. Visit this page for details.